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August - SUMMER/FALL - 2024

Summer is heading out the door and fall is peaking in.


For those who love star gazing you may have seen the beautiful Strawberry Moon hovering over our Las Cruces, NM sky. Another reason to love living in our Picacho Mountain Community.

Meet one of your neighbors

Your roving neighborhood reporter, Michelle Levine, sat down with Sally Ryan, Mike Lay, and their sweet dog Sassy from the Willows. Imagine, a girl from the coal fields of West Virginia and a boy from Parkersburg West Virginia meeting each other through their kids Boy Scout Troop, falling in love, and the rest is history. Sally with 3 sons and Mike with one son and a daughter became a happy family of 7. 


Sally was an elementary school teacher of both library sciences and art, while Mike graduated with a Master’s degree and PhD in computer science, (even though Mike started his college degree in Engineering). Over the years, Mike taught at the University of Maryland and then started his entrepreneurial journey by starting not only one but two different online companies. One of his big accomplishments during this time of his life was creating the first CD ROM encyclopedia.


Often you will find Sally and Mike in the kitchen as they both enjoy cooking as well as crossword puzzles, and sudoku. They also have a passion for music, with Mike singing and Sally playing the piano or flute. Additionally, Sally is a talented artist and her beautiful work has been showcased in the Art in the Gardens event each year. 


When asked what brought Sally and Mike to the Land of Enchantment, Sally and Mike stated they spent time in Las Cruces during a cross-country trip investigating the southwest. Originally Sally fell in love with Tucson and Santa Fe, but Mike absolutely loved Las Cruces. One day they were driving around and spotted some open house signs taking them to the Willow model. Within a few hours of meeting with Billie Haynie, they were sold on the Willows, chose a lot, and began the build of their new Willow home in 2019. 


We are all lucky to call Sally and Mike neighbor as Sally makes our area beautiful with her art and Mike always engages his neighbors in a friendly conversation during his walks with Sassy making everyone feel welcome.

Are you living your best life?

Buy Local

Looking for a healthy meal that tastes fantastic? Santorini is the place to eat. Santorini's is located on University not far from the University of New Mexico.


They say Mediterranean cuisine is one of the healthiest meals filled with healthy options. Santorini offers a unique dining experience serving authentic Mediterranean and Greek food as it has been enjoyed for generations. The extensive menu lets you sample the regional cuisines of Lebanon, Greece, Syria and Cyprus, with dishes to please meat lovers and vegetarians alike.


If you're looking for a delicious healthy meal we highly recommend you check out Santorini's for lunch or dinner.

(575) 521-9270 ~ 1001 E University Ave, Ste E3, Las Cruces, NM

Looking For Something to Do?


We have a variety of groups you can get involved in based on what interests you. Here we will note these groups and the contact info for each one. If you don't see something that piques your interest, start a group of your own.

Questions, ideas, or want to share some of your own experiences or expertise contact the following people below.
Women's Book Club
Meets 1st Thursday of the month @ 5:30 pm
Willow's Model Home
Deb Leyndyke ileyndyke@gmail.com
Ladies Bunco Group
1st Tuesday of the Month
Jamie Hottel 916-300-3654 or
Dessie Brice 360-852-6914
Bridge Club
Athena Chavez 817-219-7487
Group Interest
More ideas? Let us know.
Explore Las Cruces, find local events, history of the area, and local attractions here.

Upcoming Events In the Area

Ensure you check this site for more details: https://www.visitlascruces.com/event


Every Friday/Sunday

Farmers and Crafts Market

Friday - 11AM-4PM

Sunday - 9AM-4PM

Downtown Mesilla in the Plaza


Every Saturday

Famers and Crafts Market

Wednesday - 8:30AM-1PM

Saturday - 8:30AM-1PM

Downtown Las Cruses on Main Street


May through August

Music in the Park Series

Call for details (575) 541-2550


Aug 17

Saturday - 7AM-3PM

Car Show

Young Park


3rd Annual V-FAST Golf Tournament

Picacho Hills Country Club


Aug 17 - 18

Las Cruces Comic Con

Las Cruces Convention Center

Call for details (575) 526-0100


Aug 24

Lasso Up - Western Dinner, Dancing, and Fun

Las Cruces Convention Center

Click HERE for more details


Aug 29

Ladies Night Bingo

Thursday - 6PM-9PM

Picacho Hills Country Club

(Bring Pet Food Donation and Receive an Extra Door Prize)


Sept 6 through Dec 6

First Friday of the month

Mesquite Historic District Art Ramble

Click HERE for more details


Sept 7 - 14

The Las Cruces Space Festival

Click HERE for more details


Sept 8

Spaceport America Open House

Click HERE for more details


Sept 14 - 15

Diez Y Seis de Septimbre Fiesta

Old Mesilla Plaza

Call for details (575) 524-3262


Sept 21

Harvest Party Pot Luck

Saturday - 6pm - 9pm

Willow's Model


Oct 5 - 6

Jazz Happening in Mesilla

Old Mesilla Plaza

Click HERE for more details


Oct 13

Los Leones Car Show

Old Mesilla Plaza

Call for details (575) 524-3262 ext. 116


Oct 19 - 20

10:00AM - 4:00PM

Las Cruces Air/Space Expo

Las Cruces International Airport


Oct 26

Halloween Haunted House/Carnival

Old Mesilla Plaza

Call for details (575) 524-3262 ext. 116

Things to Keep in Mind

Now that both the new Community Website and Portal is live, be sure to check it out.


You will find newsletter issues, resources, and more.


You can access it all by going to www.PicachoCommunity.com.


When you go on your walks do you find dog landmines along the way? Help us keep our community clean by picking up after your pets.

Thank you
Have questions or article ideas? Get in touch with
Katrina Garcia 805-402-5957
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